HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/09/1991APPROVED
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 FREMONT ROAD
LOS ALTOS HILLS, CALIFORNIA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH, 1991
cc: Cassettes #16-91(l),16-91(2)
1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Noel called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in
the Council Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Chairman Noel and Commissioners Cheng, Comiso, Jones, Pahl
Absent: Commissioners Ellinger, Stutz
Staff: Bill Ekern, Director of Public Works; Margaret Netto, Planning
Consultant; Laura Johnson, Planning Secretary
2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
There were no presentations from the floor.
Commissioner Comiso referred to the standard Staff recommended condition of
approval regarding protection of trees during construction. She noted that at the last
City Council meeting, Councilmember Siegel noted that trees were not being fenced
as conditioned. She suggested requiring fencing of trees at the dripline prior to
issuance of building permits.
Margaret Netto noted the condition was reworded in the Staff Reports for the public
hearings for this Planning Commission meeting.
Commissioner Comiso wished to reword the condition to include no parking of
vehicles or storage of equipment within the driplines of the trees.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1 LANDS OF BIRNBAUM, 27760 Edgerton Road: A request for a Site
Development permit for an Addition
Margaret Netto introduced this item, noting that Staff approved permits for an
f addition to this residence which had subsequently expired. The change in Town
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED
October 9th, 1991
Page 2
policy requiring Planning Commission level review of all additions in excess of 15
feet in height resulted in the present request coming before the Commission. The
proposed addition is approximately in the same location and with the same layout
as the previously approved addition.
The Public Hearing was opened.
Safwat Malek, project architect, introduced himself. In response to a question from
Commissioner Pahl, he noted he had no problems with the Staff Recommended
Conditions of Approval.
The Public Hearing was closed.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Jones, seconded by Pahl and passed
to approve the Site Development permit for an addition with Staff Recommended
Conditions 1 - 4 and 6, and the following Condition 5.
5. No trees are proposed to be remove from the site, and if any are damaged beyond
repair or destroyed they shall be replaced with an equal size tree or up to a
maximum 24" box tree. Prior to beginning any grading operation, all [or those
deemed critical or major oak] trees are to be fenced at the dripline. The fencing shall
be of a material and structure to clearly delineate the dripline and approved by staff.
This fencing must be inspected by Town staff prior to commencement of grading.
The fence must remain throughout the course of construction. No vehicles,
equipment, or debris shall be stored beneath the dripline of these trees.
AYES: Chairman Noel and Commissioners Cheng, Comiso, Jones, Pahl
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Ellinger, Stutz
3.2 LANDS OF CLAUSEN, 12809 Clausen Court (Lot #5): A request for a Site
Development permit for a New Residence, Second Unit, and Pool
Margaret Netto introduced this item, noting vehicular access is to be provided by an
ingress/egress easement from lot #6, however the easement cannot be imposed on
lot #6 until it is sold. She noted the vertical elements of the Tudor style residence
were broken up by a horizontal line, and the horizontality enhanced by trellising
around the facade. Staff recommended architectural treatment or landscaping to
break up the blank west exterior wall. The second unit conforms to the Secondary
Unit Ordinance.
The Public Hearing was opened.
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October 9th, 1991
Page 3
Dieter Kopal, 12530 Barley Hill Road, noted his property is uphill from the subject
property. Mr. Kopal noted the proposed residence appeared to use the full 27 feet in
height allowed toward the end of the property. He expressed concern this could
block a portion of the view from his home and requested the house be moved about
10 feet in a northwest direction.
Hub McDaniel, project architect, representing the property owner, noted they had
taken every opportunity to tuck the structure into the site with a minimum of
grading. He noted the design of the residence was constrained to one level as the
resident was handicapped. He noted the proposed residence stayed well within the
floor area and development area maximums allowed. He referred to page A-8 of the
drawing set to clarify the back elevation of the residence is 13 feet in height. In
response to a question from Commissioner Pahl, Mr. McDaniel noted they had no
problems with the Staff Recommended Conditions of Approval.
Commissioner Comiso noted she had met with Mr. Kopal on his property. It
appeared Mr. Kopal's house must be 25 - 30 feet above this house.
Mr. McDaniel noted there would be considerable cost to have the civil engineer
redraw the plans and several architectural plans would also require revision to
accommodate a ten foot move. He noted they were cautious in keeping the
proposed residence lower than the view plane from Mr. Kopal's residence.
The Public Hearing was closed.
The Commission discussed provisions for protecting the view from the Kopal
residence.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Jones and passed
to approve the Site Development permit for a new residence, second unit, and
swimming pool with the understanding that if the applicant wished, he has the
right to move the residence a maximum of 10 feet toward the street without
returning to the Planning Commission for review, and with Staff Recommended
Conditions 1 - 7 and 9, and the following Condition 8:
8. Prior to issuance of any building permits, the property owner shall record a
Declaration of Easement on lot #6 for the benefit of lot #5.
AYES: Chairman Noel and Commissioners Cheng, Comiso, Jones, Pahl
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Ellinger, Stutz
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October 9th, 1991
Page 4
3.3 LANDS OF KOLYN ENTERPRISES, 13861 Cicerone Lane: A request for a
Site Development permit for a New Residence and Swimming Pool
Margaret Netto introduced this item, noting it was continued from the Planning
Commission meeting of July 10, 1991 to allow the project to undergo Site Analysis
review. She noted considerable effort was made to step the house on contour with
the grade, to mitigate the swimming pool from neighboring properties, and to
revise the grading plan to reduce the quantities of cut and fill, however, the height
and visibility of the structure were not reduced. The design concept is vertical,
enhanced by the variated roof lines and angles, and appears massive even though
balconies, decks and window projects are employed to break up the massing and
bulk.
The Public Hearing was opened.
Ken Pastrof, agent for the applicant, presented a model of the proposed
development. He noted Staff felt the residence did not step on contour. He noted
there were three internal steps within the residence, four including the garage, with
an overall differential in height of six feet. There is no crawl space included in the
design. Mr. Pastrof referred to Staff's concerns of verticality and massiveness of the
proposed residence. Due to the existing landscaping, it will be difficult to view the
residence from the street. The residence is set back 118 feet from the road. In
response to a question from Commissioner Pahl, Mr. Pastrof noted the proposed
residence will be approximately two feet higher than the existing residence.
In response to a question from Commissioner Noel, Pong Ng, project architect,
noted the footprint of the new home will be 100 percent larger than the existing
footprint.
Mr. Pastrof referred to Staff's concern that the proposed residence rises from the site
and noted the proposed residence is actually depressed down into the site. The
second floor is stepped back from the first Floor, there are no vertical elements to the
roofline and there are no gabled ends. The structure meets the letter and spirit of
the Zoning and Site Development Ordinances, and has neighborhood support. He
requested the Commission refrain from evaluating just the architecture or just the
grading and look at the overall impact of the proposed development.
In response to a question from Chairman Noel, Mr. Ng clarified that approximately
220 cubic yards of excavation are from the pool, the remainder of the cut from the
garage. He noted they tried to keep the front of the house at natural grade.
In response to a question from Commissioner Pahl, Mr. Pastrof noted they would
stipulate to the Staff Recommended Conditions of Approval as written.
ar
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED
October 9th, 1991
Page 5
The Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Comiso noted she agreed with everything Mr. Pastrof said. She
noted she was confused when she read the Staff Report about bulk and massing.
She noted that with this project, the garage is considered a third story element, in
another Staff Report, a similar configuration is considered to be cut into the site.
She also noted she recalled a number of Staff reports where breaking up massing
was achieved through use of balconies and noted she was confused by the
inconsistencies between this Staff report and Staff reports for past projects.
Commissioner Pahl noted it seemed conditions were just being thrown onto
projects. He noted a project on Alta Lane and one on Natoma Road that had not
conformed to conditions of approval and had been brought to Staff's attention, but
no action was taken. He noted he felt leery of voting on conditions when its just an
act.
Bill Ekern noted the attempt with the conditions of approval is to make the best
effort in getting the voluntary cooperation of the property owner. He noted the
point was raised at the last City Council meeting that this was not succeeding and
conditions were not being met. Changing policy to require inspection gives the
Town more teeth. Mr. Ekern clarified that most contractors were working
responsibly, only a few were recalcitrant. He noted that the Building department
cannot manage administratively to make too many additional inspections; this
inspection, however, can be coordinated. It just adds another step to the building
process.
Commissioner Pahl noted that Staff has told him they do not have time to follow
up on these occurrences. If Staff doesn't have time, he wished the City Council to
know.
Chairman Noel noted the conditions concern the applicant and the Town, and are
part of a contract.
Bill Ekern noted that making this inspection part of the building process drives
other inspections off into the future.
Commissioner Jones suggested revocation of Town business licenses for those
contractors who don't comply.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Comiso, seconded by Cheng and
passed to approve the Site Development permit for a new residence and Swimming
Pool with Staff Recommended Conditions 1 - 6 and 8, and the following
4W Condition 7:
L'7
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED
October 9th, 1991
Page 6
7. The two trees that are shown to be removed from the site shall be replaced with
an equal size tree or up to a maximum 24" box tree. Prior to beginning any grading
operation, all [or those deemed critical or major oak] trees are to be fenced at the
dripline and approved by Staff. This fencing shall be of a material and structure to
clearly delineate the dripline approved by Staff. This fencing must be inspected by
Town Staff prior to commencement of grading. The fence must remain throughout
the course of construction. No vehicles, equipment, or debris shall be stored
beneath the dripline of these trees.
AYES: Chairman Noel and Commissioners Cheng, Comiso, Jones, Pahl
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Ellinger, Stutz
3.4 LANDS OF BATTLE, 27472 Altamont Road: A request for Variances to the
setback requirements of the Zoning Code and a Site Development permit
for a Major Addition
Margaret Netto introduced this item, noting the variance requests are for a 3.5 foot
variance to the front yard setback, and a 2.5 foot variance to the side yard setback.
Special circumstances applicable to the property include the irregular shape of the
lot creating a triangular building envelope, and that the property is bordered by two
�r roads and a private driveway, making the property very constrained. Staff believed
the portions of the addition along the frontyard setback could be redesigned or
relocated to conform to the required setback. She noted an additional condition of
approval:
10. The applicant shall modify the encroachment into the setback located on the
southeast end of the proposed garage to be no greater than two feet. The third garage
parking space shall then step back to conform to the required setback. The proposed
utility room shall be relocated to a conforming location and shall be approved by
Staff.
Staff recommended approval of the modified variance to the sideyard setback,
approval of the site development permit, and denial of the variance to the front
yard setback.
In response to a question from Commissioner Jones, Ms. Netto clarified that only
the eaves encroach into the frontyard setback, but a portion of the building,
approximately .25 feet, encroaches into the sideyard setback in the proposal before
the Commission.
Commissioner Pahl noted the basis for the findings recommended by Staff was that
C the property is triangular, when in fact the property has four sides.
L
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED
October 9th, 1991
Page 7
Ms. Netto clarified that the building was existing non -conforming, with the garage
overhang encroaching into the sideyard setback, and noted Staff believed the
property is unusual with roads on three sides.
Commissioner Pahl asked whether Staff was saying anytime a property is
surrounded by three drives, it should be counted as an unusual property in the
Town. Ms. Netto clarified Staff believed the property was constrained by the roads.
Commissioner Pahl asked what made the property constrained. Bill Ekern noted
that the lot configuration limits the places on the site that can be developed, not
because of site specifically but because of encroachment onto the streets with
subsequent egress and safety concerns.
Commissioner Pahl noted that if this request is approved, everyone with roads and
driveways and a triangular shaped property with four sides will come in and ask for
the Battle variance. He noted the Commission had to make findings that the
property was so unusual, virtually unlike any other property in the Town.
Mr. Ekern clarified that each Planning Commission action is de novo, and the
Commission is not obligated to follow precedent. Commissioner Pahl indicated that
kW while each decision is de novo, he felt obligated to follow precedent.
The Public Hearing was opened.
Walter Chapman, project designer, noted the constraint of the property created by
the shape of the lot is compounded by the location of the existing house. In
designing the addition, it was necessary to tie in with the existing structure. With
the minimum requirements for spaces, Stepping the house back further to avoid
the front yard issue results in encroachment into the sideyard setback. Moving the
room toward the side yard could lead to another approach but there is also the
requirement for the fourth parking space.
In response to a question from Commissioner Jones, Mr. Chapman noted that
rotating the garage creates a problem of egress.
Commissioner Jones noted the Commission had made findings for a variance on
the basis of the existing house on a past application.
Tom Battle, applicant, noted he and his wife had spoken with both neighbors, the
Montgomerys and Adornatos, showed them the plans and discussed the variances.
The neighbors had no problems with the proposed design. Mr. Montgomery
presented a letter of support from the neighbors.
No
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED
October 9th, 1991
Page 8
The Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Jones felt this situation was almost not a variance.
Commissioner Pahl referred to the issue of roof overhangs encroaching into the
setback and requested the City Council look at this specific application, noting the
difficulty the Commission had making variance findings.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Comiso, seconded by Pahl and
passed to grant both variances, but to allow encroachment into the setback of the
eaves only and not the building, and a Site Development permit for an addition
based on the following variance Finding 1 and Staff Recommended Findings 2, 3,
and 4, and with Staff Recommended Conditions 1 - 5 and 7 - 9 with the following
Condition 6:
Finding 1: The property is constrained by virtue of the residence there, a difficulty
not of applicant's own making.
Condition 6: No trees are to be removed from the site and if any are damaged or
repaired, they shall be replaced in kind with an equal size tree or up to a maximum
24" box tree. Prior to beginning any grading operation, all [or those deemed critical
�I✓ or major oak] trees are to be fenced at the dripline and approved by Staff. This
fencing shall be of a material and structure to clearly delineate the dripline approved
by Staff. This fencing must be inspected by Town Staff prior to commencement of
grading. The fence must remain throughout the course of construction. No
vehicles, equipment, or debris shall be stored beneath the dripline of these trees.
AYES: Chairman Noel and Commissioners Cheng, Comiso, Jones, Pahl
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Ellinger, Stutz
The Commission took a brief intermission at 9:15 p.m.
3.5 LANDS OF BEN-ARTZI, 27800 Via Feliz: A request for a Site Development
permit for a New Residence, Tennis Court, and Swimming Pool
Margaret Netto introduced this item, noting that at the meeting of September 11,
1991, the Planning Commission denied without prejudice the site development
permit for a new residence, tennis court and swimming pool. The applicant
addressed the Commission's concerns by lowering the roof elevation and
submitting a landscape planting plan including an arborist's report addressing the
existing trees.
kbW
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED
October 9th, 1991
Page 9
The Public Hearing was opened.
Bob Owen, agent, apologized for the plan presented at the Planning Commission
meeting of September 11, 1991. The Flat elevation made the structure appear very
imposing. He noted there is an existing flat pad on the site which is not too large
that they wished to use for the new development. He presented a number of
exhibits including a panoramic photograph looking off-site, views to various
locations around the neighborhood, a three dimensional drawing showing
shadowing, a photograph from Page Mill Road to the site using a telephoto lens, a
photograph with a superimposition of the proposed residence. He noted the second
story of the residence is pulled in to keep the roof height down and the overall
height of the structure is 33 feet. The roof pitch was dropped from 8 to 7-1/2. Mr.
Owen referred to the arborist report, noting the existing trees are in serious trouble
due to the drought. He compared the height of the proposed residence to houses on
neighboring properties, showing one house that was about 10 feet higher and
another house 20 - 25 feet higher, so it is not the highest house in the vicinity. Mr.
Owen explained the landscape planting plan, including eight redwood trees along
the left side of the house to protect the neighbors from the pool area as well for the
residents' privacy. Evergreens are proposed along the front of the house. They wish
to move and retain, if possible, existing small Oaks. And the trees in the back will be
0(� retained to screen Page Mill Road and Elena Road, so the existing skyline will not
6V change.
Terry McDaniel, Environmental Design Committee, noted that the existing gigantic
Eucalyptus are what mitigates the site.
Yung Kim, 27830 Via Feliz, noted the applicant had only lowered the roof 2 feet, and
this was not enough. The applicant did not try to accommodate the neighbors
requests or oppositions. He noted a letter in opposition to the proposed
development from twelve residents, and a recent letter from Brigitta Sillens.
June Dean, 27677 Lupine Road, invited the Planning Commission to come view the
subject property from her lot to see the impact the massive house will have on her
property. The existing house blends into the environment well, however the
proposed residence does not and she expressed concern with the degrading of her
property value.
Dot Schreiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain Road, Chair - Pathways Committee, requested
an additional five foot dedication along the Northern property boundary, on the
existing pedestrian/ equestrian easement.
Bob Owen noted the request was acceptable.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED
October 9th, 1991
Page 10
Dot Schreiner, resident, noted she believed that when the trees are removed, the
ridgeline the subject property is situated on will be very visible. She also noted
concern with leachlines in the conservation easement.
Mr. Owen noted that extensive testing was done on the other side of the property to
accommodate the leachfield, however it was not possible. He clarified that the
leachfield in question is existing.
In response to a question from Commissioner Pahl, Mr. Owen noted the site was on
the top of a hill. He noted that with the house, the trees are seen, and taking away
the house, the trees are still what is seen, and they are adding trees. The proposed
development is three feet higher than a single story residence. One reason redwood
trees were chosen was that they are fast growing.
Commissioner Comiso suggested that the residence return to the Planning
Commission for landscape planting plan review.
Bill Ekern noted that on projects that require substantial mitigation, the Town has
used larger bond amounts to ensure plantings are installed. For a mitigation plan
having environmental impact, some form of long term maintenance agreement
1 may be appropriate. A maintenance agreement with the property owner can be
�I prepared prior to issuance of any building permits.
In response to a question from Commissioner Cheng, Ms. Dean noted that none of
the exhibits show the view from Lupine Road and her property.
Bob Owen noted they understood the concern of the neighborhood. They are
willing to hold the final on the house until the trees are planted. He clarified that
the Eucalyptus trees would have to come down regardless of what is built on the site
as they are in trouble.
The Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Comiso agreed that the subject property is on a hilltop, but there is a
natural backdrop as it is not the highest hill. It is a sensitive site. She noted she
would like to see more plantings to protect the Dean property. She felt the garage, as
it was down and offset, could be mitigated. She noted that if the site development
permit is approved, it will be strictly because of the landscaping.
Commissioner Jones noted he felt the issue of one story versus two was a "red
herring", as there can be the same square footage in a single story residence as a two
story residence He noted that if the permit is approved, it will be necessary to be
kw extremely careful as this is a hilltop site.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED
October 9th, 1991
Page 11
Commissioner Comiso noted the the Environmental Design Committee should be
heavily involved in the landscape plantings. While in general she did not support
requiring specific trees, in this case it may be necessary. It will also be necessary to
ensure that existing plantings remain.
Bob Owen noted an arborist had been retained to do whatever is necessary to
maintain the existing plantings, like deep root watering.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Comiso, seconded by Cheng and
passed to approve the Site Development permit for a new residence, tennis court,
and swimming pool with Staff Recommended Conditions 1, 2 4 - 6, 8, 9 and the
following Conditions 3, 7, 10, 11:
3. Prior to final inspection and release of occupancy permits a landscape planting
plan must be submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission. Drought
tolerant and native plantings are recommended.
7. The eight trees that are shown to be removed from the site shall be replaced with
an equal size tree or up to a maximum 24" box tree. Prior to beginning any grading
operation, all [or those deemed critical or major oak] trees are to be fenced at the
dripline and approved by Staff. This fencing shall be of a material and structure to
clearly delineate the dripline approved by Staff. This fencing must be inspected by
Town Staff prior to commencement of grading. The fence must remain throughout
the course of construction. No vehicles, equipment, or debris shall be stored
beneath the dripline of these trees.
10. A Maintenance Agreement shall be entered into between the Town and the
applicant which will provide monitoring for a period not less than five years.
Specific plantings will be addressed as part of the landscape planting plan.
11. An additional five feet shall be dedicated on the existing pedestrian/equestrian
easement along the Northern property boundary.
AYES: Chairman Noel and Commissioners Cheng, Comiso, Jones, Pahl
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Ellinger, Stutz
4. NEW BUSINESS
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October 9th, 1991
Page 12
4.1 Policy on Site Development
Commissioner Jones felt the policy was logically flawed. It reflects that the Town
thinks applicants ought to know what to expect, and wants them to expect the
unexpected.
Commissioner Comiso noted that, for example, the Town says to develop property
without disturbing the land, and then applicants are asked to set the house into the
land.
Commissioner Pahl referred to the variance that was approved earlier in the
meeting, noting setbacks are considered sacrosanct, and yet the Commission agreed
to a variance. He felt site development was inherently inconsistent.
Mr. Ekern noted the Site Development Ordinance is qualitative and requires the
Commission to look at each site as a unique situation.
Chairman Noel noted that all the sites coming in will be more critical.
Commissioner Comiso referred to where the draft Site Development policy calls for
( 'common sense' and noted all the Planning Commissioners use common sense but
may reach different conclusions.
Mr. Ekern noted that it was critical over time to look at neighborhoods and their
surroundings. Most future development is going to be infill.
Commissioner Pahl noted previously unbuildable sites would also be coming in for
site development permits.
Commissioner Noel noted the Commission was more concerned with de facto than
de jure circumstances.
Mr. Ekern noted that technology was improving and lots that were previously
unbuildable may now have enough value to warrant development.
Mr. Ekern noted he understood the Commission's position was that the policy
statement as accurately as possible reflects the Site Development Ordinance and all
its confusion.
Commissioner Pahl suggested the Commission hire a landscape architect as a
consultant for extremely sensitive sites to determine if landscaping proposed
provides sufficient mitigation.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED
October 9th, 1991
Page 13
The Commission agreed by consensus that they would like the ability to hire a
landscaping consultant.
Commissioner Comiso noted the City Council directed the Planning Commission to
look at the issue of front yard setbacks in relation to the size of the home.
Commissioner Pahl felt topography was more critical to setbacks than the size of the
house.
Bill Ekern clarified that the Council wished to know whether there are
commonalities between the types of sites that require increased setbacks. Policy can
be generated based on neighborhoods or the topography causing the neighborhood,
for example.
Commissioner Pahl noted there were examples of homes that were not sited
correctly as they had to conform to the 30 foot and 40 foot setbacks.
Bill Ekern suggested incorporating into a policy statement the concept that setbacks
are set by the Commission under specific conditions.
Commissioner Comiso suggested that there are some minimums but sites may
require increased setbacks
Mr. Ekern also noted the issue of fence height where the fence is located downhill
Commissioner Pahl suggested the policy statement should say that topography and
physical features of the land play a significant part in whether to extend setbacks past
some minimum, and eaves and bay windows up to some maximum size should
not count into the setbacks.
5. OLD BUSINESS
6. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 25TH, 1991
Commissioner Comiso and Chairman Noel wished to correct: the makers of the
motion to approve the minutes, and the votes for Item 4.5; Commissioner Ellinger
voted 'no' on the motions to approve the negative declaration (page 9) and to
approve the conditional exception (page 11); and Chairman Noel left the meeting
after the motion to approve the negative declaration.
Commissioner Jones wished to clarify his statement under the Report from Sun
Country Cable (page 7) to read: Commissioner Jones noted that if given the
L opportunity, he would vote to revoke the use permit for Sun Country Cable because
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED
October 9th, 1991
Page 14
the tower at the headend site has substantially more visual impact than that
approved by the Commission.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Comiso, seconded by Cheng, and
passed by consensus to approve the minutes of September 25th, 1991 as amended.
7. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 8TH, 1991
Commissioner Cheng reported the Council discussed the draft policy on appeal
costs: on Council initiated reviews, there is no appeals fee charged to the applicant
but the applicant will bear the cost associated with the review; on appeals by citizens,
there will be a fixed fee, and the applicant will bear the costs of review. The City
Manager will prepare a second draft of the policy.
Commissioner Comiso noted the Council concurred with the Planning
Commission decisions on the Lands of Scott and Lands of Takamoto.
8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF
OCTOBER 8TH, 1991
f October 8th, 1991: Bill Ekern reported three items were reviewed and approved:
Fong - Landscape Plantings. No additional landscaping was required. Wise -
Landscape Plantings. Additional plantings, five evergreen trees or shrubs, were
required. Dowie - Pool. Santa Clara Valley Water District permit was required prior
to issuance of the building permit for encroachment into the creek.
9. ADIOURNMENT
Commissioner Cheng referred to the intersection of El Monte Avenue and Voorhees
Drive, noting that even though there is a light there now, drivers go ahead and turn
into St. Nicholas school without waiting for the green light. She requested the
Town write a letter making the school officials aware of the problem and asking that
the school announce to parents that it is now a stoplight.
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:55 p.m
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Johnson
Planning Secretary